Come through sis!
Hoda Kotb has officially replaced Matt Lauer after his recent termination in response to several sexual assault claims from coworkers past and present.
This news doesn't come as a surprise for viewers as Hoda's seamless transition over the past few weeks proved her ready for the job. "It's 2018, and we are kicking off the year right because Hoda is officially the co-anchor of Today," her co-anchor Savannah Guthrie announced Tuesday on air. "This has to be the most popular decision NBC News have ever made, and I'm so thrilled."
Beyond that, Hoda's new role sends a powerful message to Today show viewers- one of hope, change, kickass feminine power, and, of course, black girl magic.
After the termination of Lauer, most of us wondered how and who could replace the man who had been the backbone of the Today show for the past 20 years. Hoda, who hosted the fourth hour of the Today show with Kathy Lee Gifford, stepped into the role temporarily after the news of Lauer broke saying, "This is a very tough morning for both of us, I've known Matt for 15 years and I've loved him as a friend and a colleague, and just like you were saying, Savannah, it's hard to reconcile what we are hearing with the man who we know, who walks in this building every single day."
Over the next few weeks however, Hoda proved that her charisma and chemistry with Savannah Guthrie was unbeatable. We were all hoping this dynamic duo would stay together, and now our prayers have been answered. Regarding her co-host and teammate, Hoda said:
"When you click with someone, man, woman, it doesn't matter. If it works, it works. We're sort of like sisters."
This new team of two marks an important day for NBC and the Today show. The duo will be the first ever female co-anchor team to host the Today show, and we are not sleeping on the message it sends to viewers and industry professionals alike. The act of replacing a white male with a black female is revolutionary in itself, but the concept of replacing a man adding toxic masculinity to a professional environment with a team of two outspoken, intelligent, and highly capable women takes it to another level.
The Today show made a conscious choice to not only believe their women employees, but also to uplift and empower them professionally instead of punishing them like so many other industries do. In hiring Hoda, Today has effectively hired the Anti-Lauer and effectively reinforced standards in the workplace.
In a statement to People, Hoda had this to say about her network's radical and progressive move:
"We're grateful to NBC for not having some old-fashioned notion about what an anchoring team should look like."
Hoda's revolutionary new gig will be one for the books but let's not think she got this job just because some guy was fired. Let's get this straight - Hoda earned this. She put in her time. She proved her journalistic capability and passed so many tests with flying colors. In fact, Hoda won a daytime Emmy award in 2010 for her exceptional work on the Today show team. She's been a presence and force in journalism since the early 1990's and we aren't expecting this powerhouse woman to go anywhere anytime soon.
Congratulations Hoda and the entire Today show *modern* family! You did the damn thing.
Featured image via Today Show/Instagram
- Hoda Kotb - Wikipedia ›
- Hoda Kotb Opens Up About Matt Lauer Sexual Harassment ... ›
- Hoda Kotb looks back on her first year with daughter Haley Joy ... ›
- Hoda Kotb named co-anchor of NBC's 'Today,' joins Savannah Guthrie ›
- It's a girl! Hoda Kotb announces she's adopted a baby - TODAY.com ›
- Hoda Kotb Will Co-Anchor NBC's 'Today' Show – Variety ›
RELATED
The essence of effortless poise and refinement shines bright through the iconic university colors of indigo blue, red, and white. Every October, Howard University students, alumni, staff, and friends gather on the prestigious campus in Washington, D.C. to take part in time-honored traditions and events, which is Homecoming. This year's theme, “The Meccaverse,” was a week-long celebration of Howard University’s heritage, including the Homecoming football game and Bison Pep Rally, the Fashion Show, Greek Life Step Show, Homecoming Day of Service, Lavender Reception, and the iconic Yard Fest Concert.
As 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the Howard Bison trek back to The Mecca and after two years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was to be a celebration of a lifetime. We enlisted HU alumnus Sharmaine Harris, a luxury retail buyer, as she revisited her alma mater as eyes on the yard for fashion-forward outfits mixed with personal style and campus pride for the weeklong celebration.
Before we get to the looks, discover how attending Howard University impacted her career in fashion and her day-to-day style:
Credit: Sharmaine and Friends
xoNecole: Describe your personal style. Did attending Howard have any impact on developing it?
Sharmaine: Howard taught me that there’s no such thing as being TOO dressed. There’s always a reason to “put it on” and look presentable, even if it’s just for a day of classes. Standing out was celebrated and encouraged with my peers embracing the opportunity, giving me the confidence to try new styles and trends.
xoNecole: How did Howard shape your career as a luxury buyer?
Sharmaine: I studied Fashion Merchandising, through which I was fortunate to have professors who were very connected to the industry and able to give first-hand accounts of opportunities and what to expect post-college. I was also able to build a network through my peers and other Howard Alum, which has opened doors to endless possibilities both within fashion as well as daily life.
The same confidence instilled in me through my style has also been rooted deeply within me as I step into any role or project I’m faced with throughout my career.
xoNecole: This year marked Howard’s 100th-anniversary Homecoming celebration. Can you describe what the weekend looked and felt like?
Sharmaine: I’ve gone to many Howard Homecomings since graduating, but this year’s 100th anniversary felt like a huge family reunion filled with nothing but love. It was beautiful to see so many Bison return home looking great and radiating joy. It was beautiful!
xoNecole: What makes Howard fashion different from other HBCUs?
Sharmaine: Being that Howard is The Mecca, we have such a diverse population with each individual having their own spin on fashion. Getting dressed is second nature for us, but the layered confidence is our secret ingredient to make any look come together. Through that comfortability to push barriers, we have a legacy of setting trends, as indicated by the many alumni we have in the fashion and entertainment industry.
Keep scrolling for the top street style moments from The Mecca's Homecoming weekend:
Credit: Lacey Gallagher
Credit: Alan Henderson
Credit: JaLynn Davis
Credit: Dylan Davis
Credit: Caleb Smith
Credit: Kendall W.
Credit: Jordyn Finney
Credit: Vanessa Nneoma
Credit: Dr. Mariah Sankey-Thomas
Credit: Caleb MacBruce
Credit: Tiffany Battle
Credit: Teniola
Credit: Ilahi Creary
Credit: Nicolas Ryan Grant
Credit: Dylan Davis
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image courtesy of Sharmaine Harris
